The Sanford Charter Commission spent 18 months meeting for the purpose of clearly understanding the town's existing charter. No one had preconceived notions of building a new charter with certain outcomes.

This group of people represents our community as well as any committee that exists currently, so take a minute and study the names and walks of life they represent. Each of us listened to one another and voted in a way that we truly believed was best for our municipality. Was it always unanimous? No. But it was clearly a majority vote on all topics.

Recently, there have been letters to the editor denouncing our proposed charter. I, for one, hope those letter-writers run for elected office and also try to improve the community. Anyone can be a critic. Not everyone can make tough decisions.

Bob Stackpole was appointed to the commission at an important time. He quickly took the leadership role and guided us accordingly. He was the right person for the job.

Judy Gibbs kept us organized. Her methodical direction allowed us to "stick to the facts" and put emotions aside.

Maura Herlihy's knowledge of our current charter and several other community charters allowed us to learn at an accelerated pace. Her editing saved the taxpayers thousands of dollars that otherwise would have been done by an attorney. Her experience as a councilor was extremely helpful.

Brad Littlefield's passion and dedication for our community is probably unmatched. Brad wants Sanford to be the best community in the country. You may not agree with all of his ideas, but please understand he puts in countless hours for the betterment of Sanford.

Marge Trowbridge was our buffer!

The balance of the commission played valuable roles and provided voices of reason, all the while representing the demographics of our community.

While you consider the charter, please remember that as commissioners we worked together with one simple goal — to create a document that we felt would help Sanford prepare for the next 10 to 20 years.

Critics had 18 months to come to our public meetings. They never did! My advice to the critics is, "Channel your energy into helpful solutions; you may surprise yourselves."

The commission volunteered diligently and professionally to create a product that our community can be proud of and provide our leaders the necessary tools to move Sanford to a better place.

Ideas, thoughts and emotions come fast, but making sense of them takes time. Even Einstein said, "Please explain the problem to me slowly, as I do not understand things quickly."

Society evolves over time. Communities must evolve at a similar pace. Our next generation wants to live in an exciting municipality where jobs and activities exist. Sanford is the hub of York County. Our county will continue to look more like a suburb of Boston. None of us will change that natural migration. We can either participate in this change, or sit back and watch new residents do so.

Sanford is ready for change. Be Sanford-proud. Lee Iacocca said, "Lead, follow, or get out of the way."

The anticipated new high school and regional technical center may be the most important economic stimulant — and improvement to our municipal personality — that Sanford has seen in decades. It will prepare students for jobs that will allow them to live and work in Maine. These same students embraced the change to the new Spartan mascot. I suspect they would embrace the proposed charter with equal enthusiasm.

I grew up in Springvale, went to Lincoln and Hamlin schools (both closed now), and attended the Middle School for one year (it's now named Willard School). We were student-Redskin proud in that era. Times change, and we must move along with those changes. Some people shape change; others are shaped by change.

We all don't always agree with lots of people on lots of issues, but we must agree that Sanford is great and needs rebranding.

Our area is demographically diverse. Maine is a shrinking workforce. Approximately 1.2 million people live in Maine, yet upward of 3 million visit during summer months. Maine is an attractive state. Sanford's population will grow, primarily with individuals from our south. We need to shape our change.

We all have an obligation as good citizens to work toward a better future for the next generation.

Town management is not always responsible for poor planning. Citizens do make a difference.

The proposed charter may not be perfect, but is the existing one? The proposed charter does move Sanford to a better place for our children.

Vote yes for the Sanford Charter.

Plan for the future. Better Roads.

Our past will not change, but our future can.

Consider the facts. Not emotions.

Assured grants, more jobs.

If we do nothing, we get nothing.

Jonathan Mapes is the vice chairman of the Sanford Charter Commission.